Decision details

Background:

The County Council’s Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2019-23 is a five-year rolling plan which is updated annually. It sets out our future plans as Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision across all types and phases of education in Kent. A copy of the plan can be viewed from this link:

http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/education-skills-and-employment-policies/education-provision

KCC forecasts indicate a growing demand for Year 7 places in Gravesend from the start of the 2019-20 academic year.  The Gravesend and Longfield Non-Selective Planning Group is forecast to have a deficit of 74 Year 7 places (2.5FE) from 2019-20 that increases to a deficit of 316 places (10.5FE) by 2023/24.

Thamesview School has a Published Admission Number of 150, but offered 30 extra places in 2016, 2017, 2018 and for the September 2019 intake.

KCC propose increasing the amount of school social space including, dining, recreational and circulation space over the next twelve months.  Without this building work, the school considers it may be unable to offer 180 places for September 2020. It is therefore proposed that for the September 2020 intake Thamesview maintain their PAN at 150 but will consider whether they can offer an additional 30 places nearer the time.

KCC propose planning and building a new block at the school, together with other infill work.  This work would be completed before the September 2021 intake.  This build would enable the school to offer 210 Year 7 places for September 2021.

Decision:

To publish a Public Notice on a proposal to expand Thamesview School, Thong Lane, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 4LF by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 150 places to 210 places from September 2021; and support further resources being expended to enable the scheme to proceed to planning stage.